First Triathlon to be staged on Robben Island

Robben Island Museum has granted triathletes the privilege of racing two trail triathlons in one day on Robben Island in the first ever Tri-Robben Island race on the 9th of September.

Tri-Robben Island offers athletes a truly historical & prestigious experience as they spend a day on the island where Nelson Mandela spent much of his time in prison.

Tri-Robben Island offers a truly diverse experience with the swim being in the harbour, and the cycle and run legs taking the athletes to the various landmarks on the island including the Limestone pits, Lighthouse and famous WW2 cannon.

The race will consist of a morning sprint distance of a 400m swim, 14km cycle and 4km run with the afternoon race consisting of an 800m swim, 28km cycle and 8km run.

Race Entries are open for only 27 days up until the event – each day for each year Madiba was in prison and proceeds will be going towards the development and rehabilitation of the island.

“The idea behind Tri-Robben Island began in a conversation with a triathlete, and friend of mine, from Germany who came to Cape Town to a visit.” says Grant Kunneke, creator of Tri-Robben Island.

“Before a tour to Robben Island he asked me to give him some more background on the history of the island and was stumped when I, like many other South Africans, knew so little.

This struck me as Robben Island is essentially the beginning of democracy in South Africa. From this point I made it my objective to change this and what better way than with raising awareness through the first triathlon on the island.”

This monumentous event will be filled with historic and iconic South African music.

For more information or to enter visit the website or call 082 564 5345.